Bulletin 2034
Short-form Catalog
Instrumentation for Data Acquisition and Calibration
For environments from laboratory to deep space, airborne to industrial
Precision
Tachometers
Rugged Transducer
Conditioner-amplifiers
Thermocouple
Simulator-calibrators

t
Th e rm oc o u p l e S i mu l ato r- cal i b rato rs
T
he first precision thermocouple simulator-calibrator was
introduced by Ectron in 1973. For the first time cal-lab personnel could perform highly accurate thermocouple-instrument
calibration without requiring several instruments and a lookup
table.
Ectron simulators produce an emf on their output terminals
exactly duplicating the output of an ideal thermocouple heated
to the selected temperature. Used to calibrate thermocouple
instrumentation, it is only necessary to interconnect the simulator to the device under test.
Ectron’s latest thermocouple simulator-calibrator is the
high-accuracy Model 1140A with auto-measure for both
temperatures and dc voltages.
Model 1140A – Ectron’s Third-generation Thermocouple Simulator-calibrator
www.ectron.com
The data logging function allows up to 10,000 data points to
be captured in time intervals from 1 second (2.8 hours of data)
to 1 day (27.4 years of data).
Model 1140A 6-Month Accuracy in Deg. C
Types E, J, K, T
0.15
0.10
Type E
Type J
Type K
Type T
0.00
900
0.05
1000
The Model 1140A provides four calibration functions: precise
simulation of thermocouple signals, precise measurement of thermocouple signals, generation of accurate dc voltages from microvolt
level to ±11 V dc, and measurement of dc voltages over the same
range. The thermocouple simulation and measurement accuracies are
the highest in the industry, affording a margin of calibration accuracy
heretofore unavailable.
Using a high-speed microcontroller, the Model 1140A offers such
unique features as an autozero function to correct the zero reading
of a non-ideal thermocouple. For repetitive operations, 31 sets of
operating conditions can be committed to memory for future retrieval,
including automatic sequencing from one condition to the next. Using
one of the several interfaces, all functions can be programmed and
executed under computer control.
With an output impedance of less than 0.05 Ω on all ranges, high
accuracy is maintained with an absolute minimum of loading error.
Alignment of the Model 1140A is a simple procedure that can be
completed with a minimum of test equipment. In fact the majority
of the instrument’s alignment can be accomplished with only a short
across the front-panel terminals.
800
The Model 1140A is ideal for production-line test and calibration of any
thermocouple or dc instrumentation.
700
Needed for production-line testing
600
Easily calibrate thermocouple instruments as well as most dc products
from meters to scopes to recorders to data systems
500
Necessary in the instrument repair shop
400
Operating as a precision digital thermometer the Model 1140A along with
a stable bath can provide precise calibration of thermocouples, even to less
than 0.01°C!
300
Use for thermocouple calibration
perature extremes)
• Simulate and measure thermocouples
• Source and measure dc microvolts to volts, nV
resolution
• Dc accuracy of 0.0025% + 2 µV for six months, for
both source and measure modes
• Output impedance of 0.05 Ω, all ranges
• GPIB, Ethernet, and USB interfaces available
• Options include rechargeable battery, carrying case,
1120 emulation, calibration kit, and rack mounting
100
As a thermocouple simulator and a precision dc source the Model 1140A
fills a vital need in many ATE systems.
200
Perfect for ATE systems
• 0.06°C accuracy for common thermocouple types,
including cold-junction compensation (not including tem-
0
The Model 1140A offers the best available thermocouple simulation
accuracy both with and without cold-junction compensation.
FEATURES
-100
A must-have in the calibration laboratory
Accuracy ˚C
APPLICATIONS
Temperature
The Model 1140A has exceptional accuracy
and stability over very long time periods
e
Thermocouple Cold-junction Compensators
Eliminate long-distance thermocouple wire and special-purpose amplifiers! The
Ectron Model 200 T/CMate™ thermocouple cold-junction compensator allows
any following instrumentation amplifier to be used as a thermocouple amplifier
with thermocouple input.
A unique optical isolator provides
power for the compensation circuitry
from any 5 V dc to 15 V dc power
source, eliminating the need for
batteries. The strain-gage excitation supply available from Ectron
conditioner-amplifiers provides ideal
power.
The Model 201 additionally
includes a PT-series connector
Model 201 T/CMate™ Thermocouple Cold-junction
Compensator with PT06A-10-6P(SR) Connector
for easy connection to many Ectron
enclosures.
T/CMate™
• Precise compensation for Type E, J,
K, and T thermocouples
• Use any instrumentation amplifier
• No batteries required
• Signal isolated from power source
Severe Environment Miniature Amplifiers
with Integral Excitation Supplies
Designed for extreme environment applications, Ectron Models
314B, 351, and 352 provide highly accurate analog data under
the most severe conditions. These instruments have been used in
many missile, rocket, and aircraft applications as well as rocket
test sleds and other difficult ground applications.
The Model 314B is especially adapted to airborne applications
involving shock, vibration, and temperature extremes. Able to condition and amplify signals from a variety of transducers, it is also
used in missile, rocket, and test-sled applications. It is even being
used in projectile testing where it is able to return accurate data
while experiencing tremendous acceleration and shock forces.
Variable excitation, switch-selectable gains, and bridge
conditioning make the 350 Series
amplifiers useful for all types of data
acquisition. Wide bandwidth and high
input impedance allow their use in
many unusual applications. These
rugged models are the same except
for size and mounting: the Model 351
includes four mounting studs while
the Model 352 is compatible with
enclosures for the 400 Series (see
Page 5). For wider bandwidth, see the
Model 351
Model 416 on Page 4.
APPLICATIONS
Model 351
Marine data systems
Crane-load monitoring
Piezoresistive transducer channels
Wider bandwidth (to 20 kHz) transducers
Model 352
Vehicle crash testing
NASCAR & IRL on-board monitoring
Helicopters
Flight testing
Shipboard
Rocketry
Model 352
Transducer
Conditioner-amplifier
APPLICATIONS
Model 314B
Shot from cannons,
literally in projectile
Wind-turbine blade
analysis, amplifier on
blade
Shock, vibration machine
testing
Torpedo testing
Model 314B
M odel I ndex
Page
Model 1140A Thermocouple Simulator-calibrator 2
Model 200/201 T/CMate™ Thermocouple
Cold-junction Compensators
3
Model 314B Miniature Amplifier with Excitation 3
Model 351 Amplifier with Integral Excitation
3
Model 352 Transducer Conditioner-amplifier
3
Model 416 Amplifier with Integral Excitation
4
Model 428 Transducer Conditioner-amplifier
4
Model 441A/AL Frequency-to-voltage
Converters/Tachometers4
Model 451 LVDT/RVDT Conditioner
4
Model 491 Overspeed Monitor
5
Model 560H Differential Dc Amplifier
6
Model 563H Transducer Conditioner-amplifier
6
Model 751ELN Differential Dc Amplifier
7
Model 753A Transducer Conditioner-amplifier
7
Model 778 Wideband Conditioner-amplifier
7
Ectron Corporation • 8159 Engineer Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 • Toll free 1-800-732-8159 • E-mail: sales@ectron.com
r
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40 0 Se ri e s T r a n s d u c e r Co n d i ti o n e r- a m p l i fi e r S ys tems
Severe Environment Miniature Amplifiers with Integral
Excitation Supplies
Miniature Transducer Conditioner-amplifiers
Precision Frequency-to-voltage Converters/Tachometers
APPLICATIONS
Model 416
On-board rocket boost stage
Helicopter rotor, engine monitoring
Vehicle crash testing
Vehicle engine monitoring
Flight test
Shipboard monitoring
Missile test
Model 428
Vehicle crash testing
NASCAR & IRL on-board monitoring
Helicopters
Flight testing
Shipboard
Rocketry
Model 416
Transducer
Conditioner-amplifier
Model 428O
Transducer
Conditioner-amplifier
• 100 g shock, 20 g vibration
• Excellent stability under large,
fast temperature changes
• Excitation supply,
bridge-balance options
• Ohmically isolated input, output
(Models 416, 428)
• True differential input
• Operation from vehicle battery
supply
An industry standard for on-board
vehicle test, the Ectron 400 Series
instruments are small and rugged but
able to condition and amplify the signals from almost any transducer including strain gages, LVDT/RVDTs, RTDs,
mag pickups, thermocouples, and other
low- and high-level signal sources. On
the test track or in the air, these instruments can produce high-accuracy data
despite temperature extremes and high
shock and vibration conditions. EMI
protection is standard to minimize the
effects of spurious signals from other
devices.
The Model 428 is a true differential
amplifier featuring complete isolation
between the input, power supply, output, excitation, and case. Transformer
coupling contributes to high commonmode rejection, and the input chopper
www.ectron.com
Model 441A/AL
Precision Frequency-tovoltage Converter
design results in superior zero stability,
both short term and long term. The high
input impedance permits operation with a
large variety of signal sources; and the low
output impedance permits operation into
highly reactive loads, telemetry equipment,
and most recording devices. The Model
416 is the ruggedized version, designed for
extreme environments of mechanical stress
and temperature. The front-panel switches
are eliminated, gain is adjusted with a
screwdriver instead of a knob, and the unit
is mountable using four 4-40 studs on
the housing. For wider bandwidth, see the
Model 351 on Page 3.
Precision Frequency-to-voltage
Converters/Tachometers – Models
441A and 441AL
The Models 441A and 441AL produce
an analog voltage output that precisely represents the input frequency. Easily adjusted
set points allow the user to closely bracket
the frequency of interest as well as set the
output voltage scale. Signal conditioning
automatically provides correct operation for
a wide variety of input signal waveshapes
and amplitudes, even those without zero
crossing. The output responds very rapidly
to changes in input frequency. The Model
441AL, designed for logic-level signals,
offers almost instantaneous response for
fast acceleration and deceleration systems.
Models 441A & 441AL
Turbomachine analysis & control
Vehicle drive-line analysis
Fast response governor studies
Engine overspeed monitor/controller
Accurate flow-meter monitoring
Precise tachometer
ABS (antilock brake system) evaluation
Analysis of synchro gear-box problems
Compressor clutch response evaluation
Model 416/428 Options
Option B Output limited to the range 0 V to 5 V.
Option G Binary gain steps (16, 32, 64, 128,
256, 512, 1024 and 0.1, 0.2, 0.4,
0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4).
Model 428 Options
Option L Front-panel overload indicator with
reset switch.
Option O Autozero with front-panel and remote
control.
T/CMate™
The compact, easy-to-use T/CMate converts
any Ectron conditioner amplifier into a precise
temperature measurement instrument.
See page 3.
t
t
40 0 Se r i e s T r a n s d u c er Co n d i ti o n e r- a m p l i fi e r S y stems
Precision LVDT/RVDT Signal Conditioner
Overspeed Monitor
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
Model 451
Vehicle suspension analysis
Valve-train analysis
Production monitoring of part
dimensions
Model 491
Gas turbines
Reciprocating engines
Precision LVDT/RVDT Conditioner
– Model 451
The Ectron Model 451 is a unique
advance in conditioners for LVDT* and
RVDT* transducers. For the first time,
Model 451
Precision LVDT/RVDT
the conditioner can be calibrated to the
Conditioner
transducer without using a costly and
time-consuming laboratory procedure,
autozero can be commanded at any time,
and the Model 451’s display indicates the analog output voltage
and actual transducer displacement in real time!
*LVDT: Linear Variable Differential Transformer
*RVDT: Rotary Variable Differential Transformer
Precision Overspeed Monitor
– Model 491
The Ectron Model 491
overspeed monitor (OSM) is
a precision frequency monitor
that provides high-speed control
Model 491
and protection for a variety of
Precision Overspeed Monitor
mechanical devices. Designed
specifically for gas turbine
engines, the OSM can be applied to reciprocating engines and
other mechanical systems as well.
The design of the OSM incorporates a number of features to
enhance its reliability and assure safe operation. All internal
systems incorporate high-reliability components. For instance,
internal semiconductor devices are rated from −55°C to +125°C.
In addition, fail-safe circuitry is incorporated such that if there is
a component failure, that failure must almost always result in a
fail-safe condition. The mean time before an unsafe failure exceeds
5,500,000 hours.
Rack-mount and Portable Enclosures
Ectron 400 Series enclosures provide connector interface
for power and signal input and output connections for 400
Series products. Portable, bench-mount, rack-mount, and
signal-conditioning systems are available with capacities
from 1 to 14 units. The following Ectron products are
interchangeable in these enclosures: the Models 352 and
428 conditioner-amplifiers, the Model 441A/AL frequencyto-voltage converters, and the Model 451 LVDT/RVDT signal
conditioner. Thermocouple conditioning can be added using
the 200 Series T/CMate™.
Model E408-6 Enclosure
(rear view below)
Model R408-14 Enclosure (rear view below)
Model E408-1 Single-channel Enclosure,
shown with optional DIN-rail mount
Ectron Corporation • 8159 Engineer Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 • Toll free 1-800-732-8159 • E-mail: sales@ectron.com
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In d u st r ia l I n s t r u me n t ati o n
Transducer Conditioner-amplifiers and Enclosures
• True differential input
• Dc to 200 kHz bandwidth
• Ac line powered (in an enclosure), 12 V
dc optional
Model 563H:
• 0.1 V to 15 V excitation
• Conditioning for ¼, ½, or full bridges
APPLICATIONS
Models 560H and 563H
Wind-tunnel data acquisition
Vibration analysis
Precision preamplifier for data systems
Railroad track analysis
General laboratory conditioner-amplifier
Model E513-6A with Model 563HLs
The Model 563H transducer conditioneramplifier provides excitation, balance, calibration,
and precise amplification for one-, two-, or fourarm bridges and other transducer types. Excellent
low-level operation allows its use with very low
output sources. A wide gain range from 0.01 to
2500 allows operation with a variety of sources.
Versatility is further enhanced by the three-step
output zero control with ranges of ±0.1 V, ±1 V,
and ±10 V.
Bandwidth is dc to 200 kHz. An optional fivestep, two-pole Bessel filter has positions of 10 Hz,
100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and Wideband. Another
option provides 100 mA output capability. Both
provide dual output signals.
The Model 560H is an amplifier-only version.
This low-noise, low-drift amplifier was designed to
accurately process low-level signals in electrically
noisy environments by providing excellent
common- and normal-mode noise rejection and
EMI immunity.
Model 563HL
Model E513-2A Enclosure with 563HNs
Model R513-16 Enclosure with 563HNs
T/CMate™
The compact, easy-to-use T/CMate converts any
Ectron conditioner amplifier into a precise temperature measurement instrument. See page 3.
Filter and Output Options
(One Required)
WidebandFiltered
OptionOutput Output
J
10 mA
None
K
100 mA
None
L
10 mA
10 mA
M
100 mA
10 mA
N
10 mA
100 mA
www.ectron.com
Model 560HN
Model E513-6A Enclosure (rear view)
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L a b o r a t o r y I n s t r u m en tati o n
Precision Differential Dc Amplifiers
APPLICATIONS
Transducer Conditioner-amplifiers
Model 751ELN
Laboratory precision general-purpose amplifier
Blockhouse amplifier for missile launch sites
For data-system channels requiring high accuracy
Wideband Transducer Conditioner-amplifiers
•
•
•
•
•
Bandwidths from dc to 3 MHz
Exceptional stability, accuracy, and linearity
Plug-in conditioning assemblies (on some models)
High common-mode and normal-mode noise ­rejection
Over 1000 configurations to meet exact ­requirements
Ectron laboratory amplifiers and
transducer conditioners offer the
ultimate in precision transducer
conditioning and signal amplification.
They typically provide full manual and/
or remote control of every parameter of
the conditioning process. Because of
the less dense packaging, they are more
suitable for custom modifications to
customer specifications.
The Ectron Models 753A and 778
differ in major emphasis: the 753A has
plug-in conditioner modules, while the
778 offers wideband response (3 MHz).
The Model 751ELN is a precision differential direct-coupled amplifier without
transducer excitation.
Model 753A
For transducer conditioning needing 10-wire functions
Popular for wind tunnel applications
General-purpose conditioner amplifier
Model 778 Conditioner-amplifier:
Universal transducer conditioner-amplifier
Hopkinson Bar test amplifier
New weapon barrel trials
Rail gun test analysis
EMALS aircraft carrier launch analysis
High strain-rate amplification
Flash memory current testing
Laboratory Instrumentation Characteristics
Model
Bandwidth
751ELN 100 kHz
753A
140 kHz
778
3 MHz
Special Feature
0.01% Gain accuracy
Isolated CV/CC Excit.
Rise time of 0.1 µs
The common features of Ectron
laboratory amplifiers and conditioners
are a very stable zero (0.4 µV/°C for
Models 751ELN and 753A), precise
and accurate gain control, superior gain
stability, high common-mode rejection,
and normal-mode noise filtering.
All have integral line power supplies
for independent operation. Rackmounting enclosures are available for all
models.
Many options are available to suit
exact requirements including a variety
of plug-in conditioning modules, Bessel
filters, output zero, and current options.
Model 751ELN
Model 753A
Model R718 Enclosure with 778
(rear view below)
Model E712-3-12 Enclosure with 751ELN
Model 778
Ectron Corporation • 8159 Engineer Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 • Toll free 1-800-732-8159 • E-mail: sales@ectron.com
Modification of Standard Products
Ectron Company History
Ectron will modify its standard products to satisfy special
applications. These modifications can involve simple changes
such as special filters for an amplifier. More extensive
modifications can also be made, but it usually requires a
quantity order to amortize the engineering charges.
Established in 1964, the company developed and produced a line of
miniature, rugged conditioner amplifiers in which the founder Earl
Cunningham had prior experience and knew of a general need. These
miniature instruments provided highly accurate data despite harsh
environmental conditions.
If the requirement is to tighten one parameter on an
instrument, this can frequently be arranged by adding test
time with little modification to the hardware. An example is
a manufacturer of injectable drugs who must have a Model
1140A thermocouple simulator with very high accuracy
over the range from 75°F to 125°F. By using special test
procedures over the range of interest, the instrument’s normal
accuracy was improved by a factor of 2:1. Added cost after
the initial order is minimal.
Originally sold to government test facilities in New Mexico, these products were used on board rocket test sleds where shock and vibration
conditions were severe. Named the 400 Series conditioner amplifiers,
these instruments were then introduced to the test tracks of the auto
industry in Michigan. Since then, thousands of the 400 Series products
have been sold all over the world. These products are used in all areas
of vehicle test from grueling cold or sizzling hot weather to endurance or
crash testing. Versions of the standard 400 Series amplifiers are used
on several rocket launch vehicles such as the Delta vehicle, the Cruise
Missile, and even aboard the Space Shuttle. Now a family of conditioner
products, the 400 Series instruments find applications wherever accurate data are required under environmentally harsh operating conditions.
A company in the business of building jet engine test cells
approached Ectron to make a special Model 441A frequencyto-voltage converter for their particular needs. They only
needed two frequency ranges: 0 Hz to 22,000 Hz and 0 Hz
to 120 Hz. These ranges represent the rpm of the jet engine
under test and the rpm of a flow meter which indicates fuel
flow, respectively. The output voltage ranges were both 0 V to
+10 V. Selection of these two parameters is to be controlled
by a contact closure. Normal user control of these settings is
inhibited.
Because of on-going demand, Ectron has designed a version
of the Model 441A frequency-to-voltage converter for use as
an overspeed monitor. This new product is programmable over
the RS-232 (or USB) bus, includes three settable monitor
points actuating hermetically sealed output relays, and has an
analog output (0 V to 10 V or 4 mA to 20 mA). A digitized
output indicates current input frequency and all set points.
Design reliability is 500,000 hours to first failure when
operating at 60°C. This product, the Model 491, is designed
to comply with CE, CSA Class 1, Div 2 Groups A, B, C, D, as
well as the ATEX directive.
Over the years, thousands of special amplifiers, conditioner
amplifiers, and thermocouple simulator-calibrators have
been built. As a result, it is likely that we have already
designed a special product that meets your requirements.
Again in 1973, because of a known need, the company developed the
first precision thermocouple simulator and calibrator in a single instrument, the Model 1100. For the first time, calibration-laboratory personnel could perform highly accurate thermocouple-equipment calibration
without requiring several instruments and a lookup table. This proved to
be a popular instrument not only with cal labs, but in production test of
recording and measuring equipment that involve thermocouple signals.
A second-generation instrument, the Model 1120, was added in the
early 1980’s; and in 2007 production began for the third-generation
Model 1140A. These instruments have made Ectron the leader in the
high-accuracy thermocouple simulator-calibrator market.
Ectron developed other instrumentation amplifiers for general industrial
or laboratory environments. These are the 500 and 700 Series amplifiers. These highly accurate and versatile instruments fulfill the needs
of many industrial, aerospace, and military facilities requiring superior
amplifier and conditioner products.
Quality and customer satisfaction are uppermost in the efforts of all
Ectron employees. Product specifications are stated as the maximum
deviation from the ideal rather than only typical performance. All products receive rigorous testing, including testing at temperature extremes
to insure full conformance to specifications. Under our quality-assurance
group, all test equipment is referenced to in-house standards that are
traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The company is located in modern facilities in the Kearny Mesa area of
San Diego, California. All Ectron products are made in the U.S.A.
Represented by:
8159 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
Telephone: (858) 278-0600
FAX: 858-278-0372
E-mail: sales@ectron.com
Made in the U.S.A.
For quick response, call
1-800-732-8159
www.ectron.com
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
© Copyright 2012 Ectron Corporation. All rights reserved.
Aircraft photo courtesy of DOD.